If you’re looking to bring the luxury of a swimming pool or hot tub into your home, you may be weighing the options of an endless pool or a master spa.
Both allow you to swim or soak right at home, but they offer different benefits depending on your needs. Here’s an in-depth look at endless pools versus master spas to help you decide which is the better fit.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Aspects | Endless Pool | Master Spa |
| Workout Potential | Excellent, provides effective cardio and strength training | Limited, more focused on relaxation |
| Hydrotherapy & Massage | Moderate, offers massage jets but not as many as a spa | Excellent, provides targeted massage with multiple jets |
| Rehabilitation | Excellent for low-impact rehab through swimming | Good for low-impact rehab but fewer exercise options |
| Size & Space | Compact, usually 10′ to 16′ long | Larger footprint, often 5′ across or bigger |
| Budget | $15,000 to $50,000+ | $8,000 to $30,000+ |
| Maintenance | More frequent maintenance required | Simple maintenance every 3-5 years |
What Is An Endless Pool?
An endless pool, also known as a swim spa, is a swimming pool that generates an adjustable current, allowing you to swim in place.
Endless pools are compact, typically ranging from 10 to 16 feet long, and can be installed indoors or outdoors.
The adjustable current is powered by jets and an underwater propeller system.
You can customize the speed and power of the current for different types of workouts, from a light swim to a challenging high-intensity interval training (HIIT) routine.
The current also allows you to swim in place, rather than needing to do flips and turns, so you can get an effective workout even in a small space.
In addition to the swim current, most endless pools have features like:
- Underwater treadmill: You can walk, jog or run against the current for a low-impact cardio workout.
- Resistance jets: These jets add extra resistance to your swim for a more challenging workout.
- Massage jets: Hydromassage jets target sore muscles.
- LED mood lighting: Set the perfect ambiance with color-changing lights.
- Digital controls: Adjust the current speed, lights and more with digital panels or remotes.
- Spa seating: Bench seats let you sit and soak when you need a break.
Endless pools keep water clean through a filtration and sanitation system. Some models also include heaters to control the water temperature and maintain a comfortable swimming climate.
What Is A Master Spa?
A master spa, sometimes called a hot tub, is a large, luxurious spa engineered for home use. Master spas can accommodate multiple people, with sizes ranging from 5 feet across to 10 feet or larger.
The main feature of a master spa is the built-in jet system. Strategically placed jets deliver a powerful hydromassage targeted to different muscle groups. Most master spas have features like:
- Multiple jet styles: Combinations of rotating, pulsating and directional jets provide a customized massage.
- Calf and foot jets: Target these often-neglected areas for complete relaxation.
- Neck jets: Direct pressure to sore neck and shoulder muscles.
- Lumbar jets: Focus lower back jets on the core and spine.
- Control panel: Master the jets and lighting with digital controls.
- Spa seats: Lounge in ergonomic spa seats molded for comfort.
- LED lighting: Set the mood with color-changing lights.
- Water care system: Self-cleaning ozonators and filters keep water pristine.
- Heater: Maintain the perfect soak temperature.
- WiFi app control: Adjust settings from your phone or tablet.
While master spas can fit exercise accessories like rowing kits and resistance bands, they are designed more for relaxation and hydrotherapy rather than swimming and cardio workouts.
Comparing Key Factors of Endless Pool And Master Spa
So should you go for an endless pool or a master spa? Here’s how the two stack up across some key considerations:
- Workout Potential
Endless Pool: Excellent workout potential. The swim current provides effective cardio, interval training and low-impact exercise. Resistance jets amp up the intensity. Underwater treadmills accommodate running and walking.
Master Spa: Limited workout potential. You can add accessories to get some exercise, but master spas are designed more for relaxation and massage.
- Hydrotherapy & Massage
Endless Pool: Moderate hydrotherapy benefits. Massage jets target sore muscles, but the workout-focused design limits the number of jets.
Master Spa: Excellent hydrotherapy and massage. Master spas have numerous strategically placed jets for pampering your whole body.
- Low-Impact Rehabilitation
Endless Pool: Excellent for low-impact rehab. The buoyancy of water reduces strain on joints during cardio exercise or walking on the treadmill. Resistance jets aid strength training.
Master Spa: Good for low-impact rehab. The warm water helps relax muscles and increase circulation. But exercise options are more limited compared to an endless pool.
- Size & Space
Endless Pool: Compact, ranging from about 10′ to 16′ long. Can fit in a variety of spaces indoors and outdoors. Small footprint compared to a full swimming pool.
Master Spa: Larger footprint, usually 5′ across or larger. Best installed outdoors or in a roomy basement or addition.
- Budget
Endless Pool: $15,000 to $50,000+ depending on size and features. More expensive than a comparable master spa.
Master Spa: $8,000 to $30,000+ depending on size and features. More budget-friendly option.
- Maintenance
Endless Pool: More maintenance than a master spa. Requires draining and cleaning every 6-12 months. The motor and current generator may eventually need repair.
Master Spa: Simple maintenance of draining/cleaning every 3-5 years. Self-cleaning jets and filters keep water clean in between. Potential for repairs down the road.
Pros of an Endless Pool
- Year-Round Swimming and Cardio
The main perk of an endless pool is having access to swimming right at home. The adjustable current accommodates swimming laps, water walking, aquatic strength training and more. No matter the weather or season, you can get in your cardio and conditioning.
- Low-Impact Exercise
The water environment is gentle on joints but can still provide an effective workout. Aquatic exercise builds strength with less strain on the body than land-based training. It’s ideal for injury recovery and those with conditions like arthritis or chronic pain.
- Small Footprint
Endless pools can slip into modest spaces, inside or out. The compact footprint is much less intrusive than a full pool. Even small backyards can accommodate an endless pool.
- Fun Family Workouts
An endless pool provides a fun hub for family fitness and play. Swim races, pool toys and underwater treadmill adventures get the whole family moving.
Cons of an Endless Pool
- Limited Massage Jets
While endless pools do boast massage jets, hydrotherapy is not their main focus. Master spas offer more concentrated, targeted massage.
- High Upfront Cost
Endless pools range from $15,000 on the low end to $50,000 or more depending on size and features. The price tag makes them one of the costlier home fitness and recreation options.
- More Maintenance
Keeping the motor and propulsion system in good working order takes regular maintenance. The swim current also requires more chemical care to maintain cleanliness compared to a master spa’s occasional water change.
- Space Requirements
Although compact for a pool, endless pools still need ample indoor space for installation, or sufficient outdoor flat yard space and load-bearing capacity for the heavy water volume. This can limit installation options in smaller homes.
Pros of a Master Spa
- Total Body Massage
Master spas excel at hydrotherapy. Multiple targeted jets deliver a therapeutic full-body massage to melt stress away. The spacious, ergonomic seats enhance relaxation.
- Lower Cost
A mid-range master spa costs $10,000 to $20,000. While still a major purchase, this is about half the price of most installed endless pools. If your main goal is relaxation over exercise, a master spa provides more bang for your buck.
- Quick Installation
Most master spas come as portable plug-and-play units, requiring just a nearby power source to operate. You can have a soaking tub up and running in your yard in less than a day. Built-in spas may require custom installation.
- Easy Maintenance
Aside from refilling the water every 3-5 years, master spas are hassle-free. Built-in filtration and sanitation systems keep the water clean for months at a time with little daily upkeep required.
Cons of a Master Spa
- Limited Exercise Potential
Master spas are not designed for swimming laps or underwater treadmill workouts. While you can add accessories like rowing kits, the exercise possibilities pale in comparison to an endless pool’s swim current.
- Large Footprint
Master spas start around 5 feet wide and expand from there, so they take up considerable outdoor space. Some may also require special electrical or utility accommodations.
- Limited Accessibility
The high walls and acrylic construction can make entering and exiting a master spa challenging for those with mobility issues. This makes them less accommodating than the open design of most endless pools.
- High Energy Use
Heating and running a master spa, especially an outdoor one, consumes a large amount of electricity. Energy costs can exceed $100 a month depending on the spa’s size, features and external temperatures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The main disadvantages of endless pools are the high upfront cost, more complex maintenance, and limited massage capability compared to a master spa. The swim current also requires more energy and chemical maintenance to keep clean.
The main competitor to the Endless Pool is the master spa, also known as a hot tub. Master spas offer a superior overall massage experience and lower upfront cost in a similarly compact footprint.
A swim spa and an endless pool are the same thing – compact pools engineered to generate an adjustable swim current for exercising in place. The terms are used interchangeably.
For avid swimmers and those who want low-impact cardio and strength training at home, an endless pool can be a worthwhile investment. It provides year-round access to swimming and aquatic workouts at a fraction of the cost of a full-sized pool. For more casual bathers prioritizing relaxation, a master spa may be the better choice.
The Takeaway
Endless pools and master spas both offer the luxury of aquatic recreation at home. An endless pool is the clear winner when it comes to swim training and low-impact exercise.
But for massage, relaxation and saving space and money, a master spa can’t be beat. Think about your priorities, budget and just how much room you have when deciding which option is right for your family.
With the right selection, you can enjoy a little slice of resort-style living in the comfort of your own home.
The fact that endless pools have great opportunities for exercising really interests me quite a bit. I do think that this is something that we could get a lot out of since we have always wanted to have something that can be treated like a “home gym” and workout area. I’ll definitely ask for this from an infinity pool business in the area so it’s much easier to get it installed.